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Relieve Chronic Pain with Movement

Our guest author shares his experience working with patients with chronic pain and draws on his own experience with chronic knee pain as he discusses the benefits of movement in relieving chronic pain.

Relieving Chronic Pain with Movement

Most people suffering from chronic pain will tell you the last thing they feel like doing is exercising or even moving. I know personally because I suffer from chronic knee pain, and the last thing I want to do is exercise when it’s inflamed. Research has shown that motion and mild exercise can reduce inflammation, increase circulation, reduce spasms, stimulate natural pain relieving hormones, and reduce painful lactic acid buildup. These are just a small number of great things the body does when stimulated.

The key is to find what motion is best for your condition. In my case, jogging or jumping is not an exercise I would benefit from. Swimming, biking, rowing, and non-weight bearing motions are the best exercises for my chronic knee pain. Stretching is also highly recommended. Yoga and Pilates are great exercises that not only stretch the muscles, they stimulate them as well. I follow every workout with a mild session of full body stretching. I look forward to that part of my workout because it feels wonderful when done properly.

When I feel like my muscles and joints are not moving properly and they need assistance, I get a full body massage and then see a chiropractor. The muscles and joints in the body were designed to move. When joints lose mobility they break down and start to degenerate. This is when chronic pain settles in and arthritis begins.

Chiropractors and Physical therapists are a great source of information on proper stretching and exercising. Most fitness facilities have certified personal trainers who can aid in finding a program best suited for your condition. Stretching advise and videos can be viewed at our website. The bottom line is to get off your bottom and get moving!

About the Author: Dr. Kevin Owens is a chiropractor in York, PA. He is the founder and president of Chiropractic Athletic Centers. He received his doctorate degree from Sherman Chiropractic College in SC. and did his undergraduate education at Clarion University of PA. He also owned a LA weight loss franchise in New York and Vermont. His expertise is in chiropractic, human behavior, weight loss, musclo-skeletal injuries and arthritis. Dr Owens is the staff chiropractor at Clarity Way, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Hanover, PA. Dr. Owens has been featured on TV, Radio and newspapers. He has lectured to many schools, businesses and organizations. His work includes performing independent reviews and exams for many insurance companies along with preceptor doctor at New York Chiropractic College and Palmer Chiropractic College. Dr. Owens is married to Michelle Owens for over 20 years and has 2 children, Alecia and Austin. His passion comes through caring for and helping others.